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Play Golden State -15 over Sacramento (TOP NBA PLAY)
Sacramento has lost 11 consecutive games against the spread after having lost six or seven of the last eight games and they have lost 16 of the last 22 games against the spread vs. division opponents.
We are not buying that the Bulls are back. Sure, Chicago had a nice win against the non-caring wake us up when the playoffs get here Spurs last night but Chicago had dropped six of their last eight games and have been lousy defensively before putting together a strong effort last night. But we don’t think they will have enough to keep this game close, playing on back to back nights against a Dallas squad that has won three straight games and has been one of the better teams in the tough Western Conference all season long. Take the Mavs.
Charlotte Hornets at Cleveland Cavaliers (-9.5-) 7:35 ET
2* Cleveland (-9.5-)
The Charlotte Hornets visit the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight at 7:35 pm ET in a matchup of Eastern Conference rivals. These teams have met twice this year with Cleveland prevailing 91-87 in Charlotte and winning 97-88 as 10 point home chalk on this floor. Those results were before Cleveland found their groove.
Charlotte was a 43-39 SU team last year, who finished 7th in the Eastern Conference playoff queue. Even more was expected of them this season. But, they have languished at 18-25 SU, as they have suffered from multiple injuries to key contributors, including big man, Al Jefferson and PG Kemba Walker. Each of those key cogs has returned to the lineup. Charlotte enters tonight following 3 consecutive home victories, albeit against the likes of losing teams, Indiana, Minnesota and Miami. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that the average score in those games was 88-76. Though that streak lifted Charlotte to winners of 8/9, it is unlikely that streak continues tonight. James’ teams have won the last 19 games against Charlotte, including playoff victories. Must respect the fact that Charlotte is allowing just 97.3 PPG, among the league leaders in points allowed. Simply do not believe they are going to hold down a Cleveland team, who is starting to gel.
Since the return of James and a 2-10 SU slide, Cleveland has gone 4-0 SU ATS, beating the Lakers 109-102, the Clippers 126-121, Chicago 108-94 and Utah 106-92. That’s an average score of 112-102. NBA chemistry is a fragile thing. At last, Cleveland seems to have gotten it right! The loss of Varejao for the season was clearly a negative. As was the LeBron injury. Some key trades seem to have righted the ship. JR Smith is filling the role of the traded Waiters. The acquired Mozgov is filling in nicely for Varejao. In addition, tonight is the expected first game of Shumpert, another key piece to the puzzle received in the Knicks trade. Those three will team with PG Irving, James and Love for a powerful and explosive offense.
I give respect to the fact that Charlotte has played better in the role of road dog, where they are 11-5 ATS. But, that is just 5-4 ATS when getting 6 or more points. In addition, among the 4 consecutive Charlotte road wins have been victims such as New York, Boston and Orlando (the bottom feeders of the East). Let’s ride Cleveland for at least one game before the prices begin to catch up with them.
Phil Jackson must be questioning his move to oversee the New York Knicks. He has a troubled team with a superstar that just doesn’t seem to know what “team” means, and also has an ailing knee. His presence on or of the court has mattered little as the Knicks’ complimentary players are ordinary at best. New York has won just four times here in 21 tries, so a tiny line that means very little, certainly shows an advantage against them in this spot. Orlando is 15-30 on the season, but their best work has been done outside of Orlando as they have managed 10 of their 16 wins on the road. Knicks fans continue to be starved as New York is 5-16 ATS in their last 21 at home, and they seem to play to the level of competition, which won’t be an asset here. Play on Orlando.
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